According to The Australian, the AFP confirmed it was investigating allegations that BHP provided inducements, hospitality and gifts to Chinese and other foreign officials.

The law enforcement organization added that foreign bribery probes were “inherently complex” and “it would not be appropriate to comment any further on operational matters.”

Meanwhile, the world’s biggest mining company told Reuters it has been collaborating with "relevant authorities,” and that “it had complied with all applicable laws in regards to its Olympics sponsorship.”

BHP supplied the materials for gold, silver and bronze medals used in Beijing.

The miner has been under investigation for alleged corrupt practices in several countries before 2009, including China, Australia, Cambodia and the Philippines.

In 2010, BHP revealed it was conducting its own internal investigation in response to inquiries from US authorities. The probe, said the company at the time, had uncovered evidence "regarding possible violations of applicable anti-corruption laws involving interactions with government officials."

The resource giant did not name the country or the now abandoned projects involved.

Cecilia Jamasmie, news editor at MINING.com, has over 15 years of experience in print media, TV, online media and public relations. She specializes in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Latin American market. Cecilia has been interviewed by BBC News and CBC among others. She has also been syndicated by Forbes, Seeking Alpha and BIV. She holds a Master of Journalism (MJ) from the University of British Columbia, Canada, and she is currently based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.